Dollars & Sense with Pam Cook

Disney is implementing biometric technology at park entrances to verify tickets and reduce fraud. Meanwhile, the financial sector is reacting to OpenAI’s lower-than-expected revenue and user growth, causing a dip in chip stocks and the Nasdaq. In the aviation industry, Santa Cruz-based Joby Aviation celebrated a milestone with its first electric air taxi test flight from JFK to Manhattan. Then, th...

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Pam Cook kicks this segment off with a dive into Intel’s strong first-quarter earnings and ambitious revenue forecast that gave Nasdaq a boost. Then the conversation turns to the spring housing market before touching on Trump's oil transport waivers and China’s crackdown on US tech investment. Dollars & Sense also discusses Nike’s global layoffs as it pivots tow...

Pam gets into the potential government bailouts of Spirit Airlines before diving into the $81 billion Warner Bros. Discovery and Skydance-Paramount deal. Dollars & Sense also discusses LuluLemon’s appointment of a new CEO, the $81 billion mega-merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Skydance-Paramount. Meta’s latest transparency features for parents. Then Pam talks about adults "pre-gaming" alco...

In today’s Dollars and Cents, Pam dives into Google’s new $750 million fund to educate partners on "agentic AI" and SpaceX’s massive $50 billion acquisition of the coding startup Cursor. She also discusses Duolingo’s app expansion, a new feature on Snapchat, a potential real estate bargain for Netflix in Studio City and the launch of Coco Robotics’ autonomous delivery service via Uber Eats in San...

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam begins with a significant stock market rally following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Then Dollars & Sense discusses major corporate shifts, including Reed Hastings' departure from Netflix and Trader Joe’s recent legal settlement regarding receipt privacy. Pam also touches on travel innovations like Air New Zealand’s new sleep pods and the record-breaking pa...

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam covers shifting consumer strategies at major brands, potential economic hurdles in Europe, and the evolving leadership at the Federal Reserve. ------------- - Starbucks, Pepsi, and Walmart - Europe warns jet fuel shortage could impact flights - Ford’s Leadership Shift - Federal Reserve Confirmation Controversies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices...

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam discusses San Francisco-based Allbirds pivots from sustainable footwear to the AI sector under the new moniker NewBird AI. Then she gets into a wave of corporate restructuring at industry giants Disney and Snapchat as they lean into AI to streamline operations. Dollars & Sense also dives into an investigation into Lululemon’s use of "forever chemicals," a major inve...

Pam dives into the economic ripples caused by ongoing tensions in the Middle East and its impact on the price of oil. As fuel costs soar, major airlines like Delta and Southwest are raising checked bag fees to as high as $200 for a third bag to offset expenses. Beyond travel, the Dollars & Sense host discusses the record-high average cost of raising a child in the U.S. The conversation then shifts...

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam dives into: Global Markets & The Iran CeasefireThe announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran triggered a massive global relief rally, including a 1,000-point jump for the Dow. Despite the optimism, experts warn that oil remains stubbornly high at $95 a barrel, threatening long-term economic stimulus. Airlines & Energy Supply StrainsDelta Airlines...

In today’s Dollars & Sense: The Anniversary of Gmail Google launched Gmail on April 1, 2004, a move that was initially mistaken for an April Fool’s joke due to its then-unprecedented 1GB of storage. Market Reactions and Nike’s Forecast Nike stock dropped by 14% following a disappointing forecast that included a projected 20% sales decline in China. Federal Spending on Retirees A report from the Pe...

Pam explores the current state of the global economy as G7 leaders meet to discuss the impact of the war in Iraq. The discussion covers the recent dip in consumer sentiment and the stock market, as well as the bold investments by billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos into humanoid robotics. Listeners will also hear about historic changes to U.S. currency, new stock trading opportunities for t...

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam discusses WhatsApp is rolling out new AI-powered "Writing Help" and photo editing tools. Dollars & Sense also look at the real-world impact of the Iran conflict, from Qatar Airways grounding thousands of flights to a global fertilizer shortage that is driving up grocery bills. For the next generation, Charles Schwab is launching a teen investor account aimed at boos...

In today's episode of Dollars & Sense, Pam dives into high diesel prices increase the cost of goods, from groceries to clothing. Then, Sony and Honda ended their Afeela EV partnership and the Kenyan flower industry faces a crisis due to Middle Eastern shipping disruptions before getting into Google TV's narrated "sports briefs" for updates, and United Airlines is adding a new "Relax Row." Learn mo...

Pam gets into Middle East tensions that are sending oil prices soaring and stock indexes tumbling, and while the "recession" word is back on the table, the EV market is offering a glimmer of hope for consumers. Dollars & Sense break down the surprising trade deal between Canada and China that bypasses U.S. coordination. Then, UC Berkeley Professor James Sallee joins us to explain how this "backdoo...

In Dollars & Sense today, Pam start with the major win for WNBA players as they secure a lucrative new agreement, before pivoting to Wall Street where the Federal Reserve is on interest rate watch and the latest inflation report coming in twice as high as expected. Then she dives into what a "K-shaped economy" actually means for your daily life with a financial expert. Dollars & Sense also explore...

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam breaks down the latest GDP and inflation data that reveals an economy losing steam amid the ongoing war in Iran and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Then negotiations between Starbucks and its unionized workforce, Adobe’s multi-million dollar legal settlement over "hidden" fees, and Uber’s latest expansion into the world of driverless RoboTaxis before w...

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam gets into Disney’s new "Verts" feature—a direct challenge to TikTok—and the $1 billion valuation of a company promising AI-powered robots that can actually handle your laundry and dishes by the end of the year. Then, she covers the shifting landscape of the EV market as Honda pulls the plug on several U.S. models, while California considers a new $3,500 incentive to...

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam dives into the global response to surging oil prices as the IEA moves to release 400 million barrels of crude to combat disruptions caused by the war in Iran, before taking a look at the latest inflation data, the volatility of the stock market, and why California’s EV market might be eyeing a comeback despite the loss of federal tax incentives. Dollars & Sense also...

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam dives into Gap’s surprising "back to basics" success, and the troubling leadership scandal rocking Kohl’s. Then ahe takes a look at how the tech landscape is shifting as NVIDIA unveils its massive "Vera Rubin" AI platform and Zoom introduces AI avatars that can literally attend meetings for you. However, with great innovation comes great cost. Dollars & Sense also e...

In Today's Dollars & Sense, Pam discusses the surprise jump in unemployment, surging oil prices due to Middle East instability, and a massive opening drop for the Dow. Dollars & Sense also looks at the escalating conflict in the Strait of Hormuz as shipping giant Maersk suspends routes, potentially driving up consumer prices worldwide. Then, Amazon launches a new AI tool for healthcare. In Napa, r...

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam dives into the economic turbulence defining the start of 2026, breaks down why the war in Iran triggered an major Dow drop and how rising oil and gas prices are rattling both Wall Street and the average consumer’s wallet. The Dollars & Sense host explores AI industry "jitters" and addresses the record-breaking $44 billion surge in credit card debt at the end of 2025...

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam breaks down the growing disconnect between Wall Street’s morning recovery and the mounting geopolitical risks abroad with a financial expert. As the war in Iran disrupts critical oil passageways in the Persian Gulf, domestic gas prices are already feeling the heat, with California averages climbing toward the $5.00 mark. Then more on why is Lamborghini pausing its E...

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam analyzes Wall Street’s volatile reaction to the escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, with the Dow plunging over 1,000 points . Financial advisor Chris Markowski joins the program to share essential strategies for "shockproofing" your portfolio amidst geopolitical uncertainty. Dollars & Sense also covers the small business battle against federal ta...

In today's Dollars & Sense, Pam discusses the massive shift in the media landscape between Netflix, Paramount and Warner Brothers before shifting to a conversation around the "American Dream" and the the middle class. Then, Dollars & Sense dives into the massive $50 billion partnership between Amazon and OpenAI, and celebrates 30 years of Pokémon with fans and card collectors. Learn more about you...

Pam explores the AI industry, where industry leader NVIDIA continues to beat earnings estimates despite a volatile morning on Wall Street, and why software giants like Salesforce may be feeling the heat from emerging automation. Then Mornings on 2 financial advisor discusses investment strategies. In the fast-food sector, Burger King is using AI to monitor employee friendliness. Dollars & Sense sh...